“Visibility is important.”

So says Amanda Cole, Executive Director of Plexus, Cleveland’s LGBT + Allied Chamber of Commerce, of which Greater Cleveland Partnership is a member.

She’s speaking at the beginning of Pride Month, as Cleveland (and the nation) joins the celebration in a wave of rainbows and special events.

“Pride is about community and visibility and shared experiences and awareness on issues we face as a community,” she says. “So when the Cavs do a Pride night, or the Guardians do a Pride night and also are looking to do training for employees as part of it, those things are very important, and we support them.”

For Plexus, though, Pride is every day. Since its founding in 2006 by Eric Lutzo and Dave Ream, the chamber has had the goal of serving the LGBT and allied professional and business communities through connections and networking, education and advocacy.

“Pride is more than a month,” says Cole. “It’s about a company’s domestic partner benefits, it’s about supporting small business who might lose business by displaying a rainbow flag. It’s about educating the community.”

To that end, Plexus has increased education and outreach events in recent years, including partnering with local chambers of commerce to provide training around issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, from pronouns to being aware of branding to making sure business are inclusive with hiring practice and that the community feels safe and engaged. Cole says she currently has training sessions scheduled with 17 corporate partners as well.

“These are the types of issues we deal with every day at Plexus,” says Cole. “I grew up a family of small-business people. My grandfather started a business, and I think about him when I work with small businesses on training. How could I have helped my grandfather greet someone in an inclusive way? We try to translate equity and inclusion conversations to small businesses.”

Plexus also focuses on issue affecting all businesses, especially in the wake of COVID.

“We talk about access to capital, for example. Many LGBT owned business are not passed on generationally, so they may be in a different situation than others. They may have had less access to capital or emergency funds.”

Plexus has seen big growth in recent years, both from small businesses and corporations who may already have their own equity and inclusion departments, but who want to support the community and are seeking additional training.

“Last year we saw out most growth ever,” says Cole. “In addition to LGBT-owned businesses, we are seeing a number of allies joining.

“When you become a member of Plexus you become certified, and we can celebrate and amplify that fact,” says Cole. “Many business owners say that it has gotten much easier to share their status in recent years.

There is still work to be done, but visibility IS important — and increasing.

· For more on Plexus, including how to become a member, see their site.

· To search their guide to LGBT and allied business directory: Business and Member Directory Search

· For more on their training sessions and workshops: Workshop & Training Offerings — Plexus LGBT & Allied Chamber of Commerce

In honor of Pride Month, Greater Cleveland Partnership would like to spotlight local LGBTQ+ businesses, leaders and events throughout June. And, we’d love your input. Email suggestions to ldemarco@greatercle.com